Brock Purdy is only three weeks into the 2026 season, and he is already picking up the kind of praise usually reserved for legends, with former NFL offensive lineman Damien Woody calling him “Brady-esque” when it comes to the mental side of the game. That’s right, a dude who played with Tom Brady for years is throwing around the GOAT’s name when talking about the 49ers’ young QB. This isn’t just some casual compliment; it is a serious declaration about what Purdy is showing early in the season.
What an Ex-NFL OL Saw in Purdy’s Mind
Woody did not hold back on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, laying out exactly why he sees Purdy as an elite talent. “I think he is one of, if not the best, processors that we have in the National Football League,” Woody stated, and that is a massive statement coming from an ex-lineman who saw the game from the trenches. He went on to highlight Purdy’s uncanny ability to “see the field and is able to process in such a short period of time,” emphasizing that this is what makes him elite. And let’s be real, Woody isn’t just some random talking head; he spent four seasons playing alongside Tom Brady from 2000 to 2003, right through Brady’s first three years as a starter. So when he drops a comparison like “Brady-esque,” you know it is not just hyperbole; it is coming from someone who saw the GOAT up close in his formative years. Woody insists it is Purdy’s mind that is truly elite, using it to “exploit these defenses.” He even called the combination of Purdy and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan an “absolute weapon,” and after watching Purdy dissect teams, you can see why.
Dominant Numbers Despite a Depleted Roster
The numbers through these first three weeks of the season totally back up Woody’s high praise. Purdy is sitting at a perfect 3-0 record, completing an incredible 72.3% of his passes. He’s already racked up 789 passing yards, tossed nine touchdowns, and only thrown one interception. Think about that production. What’s even crazier is he’s doing it all with a “depleted offensive roster rife with injuries,” under the command of Shanahan. This isn’t a situation where he’s surrounded by an all-star cast; he’s making it work despite adversity, which is a huge testament to his mental game and processing ability. Woody even drew a parallel to Brady, noting that Brady was never known as some sensational athlete but always got the job done. Purdy, despite being an “underrated athlete” who can use his legs to “get out of trouble,” is proving his mind is his real superpower, getting the job done just like Brady did.
Damien Woody’s words carry serious weight, and his “Brady-esque” comparison for Purdy after just three weeks is something the entire league needs to pay attention to. If Purdy can keep this kind of elite processing and on-field execution going, especially with a roster that’s dinged up, this early season buzz is only going to get louder. It’s only Week 3, but this kid is already showing something special, and it’s making waves across the NFL.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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